How Trustworthy?

Today is the first day back at school for both of my boys. One into 5th grade—the top of the heap at elementary school. The other into 7th—brimming with confidence having had a year of middle school under his belt. We had a great summer. And now are back into some much needed normalcy of schedule, dinner, etc. And the boys are once again sent out from the house. Into their world. One which doesn't have any of my or my wife's parental supervision. I hope (once again) that they remember the things we've taught them. And experienced alongside them.

This can be a pretty intense experience for both parents and kids. Particularly if it is a first or second time experience—the drop off at the bus or school. Seeing the little back pack waddle off towards a destiny not entirely known.

We just have to trust that they've listened. Believed. And embraced all the teachings from their parents.

I read yesterday an Ernest Hemingway quote which stated "The best way to find out if you can trust someone is to trust them." Well, this is one of those times. A lot is now in their hands. Not ours.

In the first chapter of Romans, it talks about an element of this. From God to us. In verse 20, God provides his truth statement about his existence "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

So God is kind of saying "you know I am God, right?" "I've made this clear to you."

"Now, little Billy. We've talked about all of these things you need to remember at school." "Do this. Don't do that. Honor what we've told you as parents."

And yet in verse 25 "they exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator".

The kids are on their own—to remember what they've been taught. And how it would distress us to have our teachings ignored.

This is one of those empathetic moments (albeit on a less omnipotent scale) where we can identify a little with God when we ignore His teachings. And how He might feel. Watching our backs wander off with the warnings of being sheep amoung wolves.